RJ, Rick, go for it! Drive down. Take a bit of a vacation. Just you, or take some of the family. Go and enjoy yourself. It will cost more, but who cares? It isn't my money . Really though, you should just go for it. Drive down, and enjoy yourself. That sounds like the kind of trip I would have a lot of fun doing. Cheers, John

An update... After speaking with the owner of the motor in Florida yesterday and finding out that the motor is still in the bus and it will be "extra" money to have it pulled I think I have a fair reason to consider not buying this because he was less than honest in his description of the item. Here's my thinking and I'm open to thoughts.He agreed to throw in all the intake and exhaust tubing, air filter and housing and all the aux drive stuff, compressor,power steering pump and alternator, he had the transmission rebuilt for $7k 5000 miles ago, (I'm not sure if I can verify that) so those are the up sides. The down sides are, because he didn't state in the auction that buyer would be responsible for removing the engine or would have to pay a modest fee to have it removed I lost a little trust in the process. So now I'm questioning everything. if, and I stress the word, if, he was correct about the coolant coming out of the slobber tubes I'm thinking that basically every bearing in the thing would have to be replaced. That's cam bearings, blower bearings, everything... that would be very, very expensive. Well, my thinking is, if it was in Chicago and I could drive 400 or 500 miles, pick it up and take a year rebuilding it would still be cool, but when you drive, ship or fly down and drive back 3000 miles roundtrip at a cost at least $1500 and more likely $2500 it starts to get you thinking. Couple that with the real possibility that this block has spun one or more bearings effectively making it a boat anchor and I start saying, I have an out, the seller wasn't completely honest in his description, and with that in mind maybe I continue looking for a good turnkey type deal like this appeared to be from the surface. I could really use some input from my trusted bus nut friends. I can't have repeat of a couple years back where I take a bath on a motor, wifey would never let me forget it. Regarding the comments about turning this into a family vacation I think my wife frowns on bus related vacations. She's more of a Yellowstone girl than a quartzite girl. Which is a total character flaw in my book!

Alright Clifford, my old friend I was hoping you'd chime in here, so, say it's your motor, what bearings are you changing if it was indeed coolant out of the slobber tubes? If it was rebuilt 7000 miles ago which is what the guy he bought it from told my seller are you doing liners, piston's etc because of the possibility of coolant contaminating rod bearings etc. Also, if this hydro'd are the rods bent.

We, as a group, never seem to tire of asking you questions do we? If you charged for advice we'd all be broke and you and Don would be very. very rich men LOL!

I thought line boring an 8v92 was like $4000 that is indeed a big difference

Honestly, just so you know up front, I am clueless about the engine. I would love to rebuild one sometime just to learn, but I have zero knowledge on that.

If it was me in your shoes, I would want to make it work, just because I always love an excuse to go somewhere. Then, the practical side of me would kick in. This guy was less then straight with you about one thing. The nagging question is, what else? What if it wasn't rebuilt recently? What if the tranny didn't have the work done to it? What if you end up getting nothing but a 8v-92 block? Would it still be worth it to you?

I know these questions are probably already plaguing you, but I had to say them again. Sorry, but I do TRY (sometimes it works too ) to have a realistic/ worst case side of me.

what's going on? The picture that I saw, showed the engine and transmission out of the vehicle on a stand on the floor. If it is still in the bus, move on...there will be more show up without so many issues down the road. Those pics didn't look like any rebuilding was done any time recently.

Now I have changed bearings , rods & mains in a dozer that drank a 50/50 mix and spit the dip sitck out. The crank was good, it was still running. Yes the bearings pealed babbit. BUT, If a 8-92 sucks water mix, is it head gasket? cracked head should not leak that quick?? Did former owner check oil level, water, etc before running , (I check oil, water, belts an leaks) before each start. To me, Its to far to put a socket on the crank to try to turn it ,or pull the air box covers, for a look. Lots of 's If only fuel in oil much different, to esier fix.

Well, I came to this party late. I didn't know any of this discussion was going on but I did notice my name was mentioned in unfavorable terms . What's up with that?

Rick already knows my feelings about changing his motor, but he's going to do it eventually, anyway. However, based on what I read here and my personal inexperience and lack of education, it is my unqualified opinion that you did the right thing by passing on it.